Trail , a working farm and interactive museum designed to teach visitors about the techniques used to farm a desert .
Now back on the job at TA , Mel is using her experience to be an even better counselor . “ I work mainly with international students , and any exposure to other cultures and ways of thinking is helpful in my approach with kids ,” she says . Mel plans to offer a presentation to faculty and staff about her trip and the lessons learned .
In addition to the cultural and educational aspects of the trip , Mel was able to check an item off her bucket list . “ I ’ ve always wanted to float in the Dead Sea ,” she said , noting that the salt content that makes floating easy also makes swimming in the water very difficult .
An avid traveler , Mel has now visited 26 countries . With signs that the pandemic is easing , she ’ s looking forward to her next adventure . Stay tuned .
Clockwise from top : Mel floating in the Dead Sea ; Mel on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea in Caesarea ; HaMakhtesh HaKatan ( the small crater ) in the Negev Desert ; Al-Qasemi College in Baqa al-Gharbiyye ; spices at a market in Jerusalem .
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